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Patented Oct. 27, 1953 AUTOMATIC PARTITION STRIP FEEDING MECHANISM Simon E. Schroeder, Oshkosh, Wis., assigner to American Partition Corporation, Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Application January 3, 1949, Serial N0. 68,955

26 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to partition forming mechanisms, and more particularly to automatic feeding mechanism for delivering a set of partition strips to an assembly zone in position for interengagement by transverse partition strips supplied by a second mechanism.

VAn object of the present invention is to provide novel automatic feeding mechanism for supplying preformed partition strips to an assembly zone in position for reception of transverse partition strips supplied by a second mechanism, such as the partition assembling machine disclosed in the Vail and Dauber Patent No. 2,163,923, granted June 27, 1939.

Another object is to provide novel mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition strips into an assembly zone which incorporates novel mechanism for releasing the bottommost strip of stacks of partition strips and for disposing the released strips in edgewise spaced relation for sliding longitudinal movement.

Another object is to provide novel mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition strips into an assembly Zone which incorporates guiding construction for an edgewise disposed partition strip whereby a second edgewise disposed strip may be moved into overlapping relation with a leading edgewise disposed strip.

Another object is to provide novel mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition strips into an assembly zone which incorporates synchronized roller constructions for first moving an edgewise disposed partition strip at a substantially uniform rate towards an assembly zone, and then at a step by step rate through the assembly zone, and for moving a trailing edgewise disposed partition strip into overlapping relation with a leading edgewise disposed partition strip as the leading strip is moving in step by step relation through the assembly Zone.

Another object is to provide novel mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition strips into an assembly cone which incorporates a plurality of guideways for receiving partition strips in edgewise relation and for directing them into predetermined spaced parallel relation for movement towards and into an assembly zone.

Another object is to provide novel mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition c strips into an assembly Zone which incorporates continuously moving spaced cross members for moving edgewise disposed partition strips towards an assembly zone along provided guideways and into engagement with rollers for moving the strips a second step towards the assembly zone, the cross members being disposed substantially at right angles across the path of movement of the strips for pushing abutment with the rear edges of the strips to align the same prior to transfer to the rollers.

Another object is to provide novel mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition strips into an assembly zone incorporating actuating mechanism for releasing the bottommost strips of stacks of partition strips actuated by a provided device which moves edgewise disposed released strips towards an assembly zone.

Gther objects are to provide novel mechanism for automatically feeding preformed .partition strips into an assembly zone which is fully automatic in operation in the handling of preformed partition strips between hoppers and the assembly zone, which is simple in operation, which is capable of attaining a high efficient speed of operation, which is adjustable in its individual and composite mechanisms, which may be adjusted as to speed of handling partitions, which is adapted to function eiiiciently in its capacity of automatically feeding partition strips for a long period of time with only normal greasing, oil and cleaning maintenance, which incorporates a minimum number of moving parts, thereby reducing breakdown possibilities to a minimum, which is relatively inexpensive, which is easy to synchronize with an associated machine such as the assembling machine shown in the abovementioned Vail and Dauber patent, which requires no instruction in respect to operation since the feed is fully automatic from the hopper com'- partments, which may be filled by hand or by other automatic means associated with stripper machine or other mechanism, and which may be supplied with an automatic alarm device for notifying an operator that a particular partition strip has failed to pass a designated point or is failing to pass a designated point.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages are apparent from the following description taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a mechanism for automatically feeding preformed partition strips into an assembly zone constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the cover being removed from the gear box through which power is transmitted to the feeding rollers and the continuous chain of the mechanism (Sheet 1) Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof (Sheet 2) 6 is an enlarged fragmentary rear elevational view of the lower part of the hoppers, the partition strip edgewise disposing and receiving construction, and the partition strip conveyer construction (Sheet Fig. 7 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line 1--1 of Fig. 1 (Sheet 1);

Fig. 8 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional viewy on substantially the line 8--3 of Fig. 1

Y (Sheet 1);

Fig. 9 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional View on substantially the line 3 9 of Fig. 1 (Sheet 1) Fig. 10 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line lll-I6 of Fig. 1

(Sheet 1) Fig. 11 is an enlarged vertical longitudinalV cross-sectional .view on substantially the line El-I l'of Fig. 2 (Sheet 1) VFig. 12 is a transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line IZ-IZ of Fig. 11 (Sheet 1) Fig. 13 is an enlarged vertical transverse crosssectional view on substantially the line 3-i3 of Fig. 4 (Sheet 6) Fig. 14 is a further enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal cross-sectional View on substantially the line l4l4 of Fig. 13 (Sheet 7) Fig. 15 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line |5-l5 of Fig. 4 if? (Sheet 7) Fig. 16 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line i6-l6 of Fig. 4 (Sheet 7) Fig. 17 is a vertical longitudinal cross-sectionalY view on substantially the line I'l-I'l of Fig. 4 (Sheet Y.7 Y

Fig. 18 is an enlarged elevational view of a pair of partition strip feeding rollers, groups of three of which are shown intransverse vertical crosssection in Figs. 13, 15 and 16 (Sheet 6);

Fig. 19 is a transverse centralrvertical sectional view through the roller construction of Fig. 18, a partition strip in edgewise position being shown in broken lines and being broken away at the top for conservation of space (Sheet 6) Fig. 2() is a horizontal cross-sectional view on substantially the line 2li-2t of Fig. 13 (Sheet 6) Fig. 21 is a horizontal cross-sectional view on Y substantially the line 25-21 of Fig. 18 (Sheet 6) Fig. 22 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional Fig. 28 is an enlarged vertical longitudinal crosssectional view on substantially the line 23-28 of Fig. 2 (Sheet 5) Fig. 29 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal cross-sectional View on substantially the line 29e-29 of Fig. 2 (Sheet 3) Fig. 30 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view on substantially the line 30-3761 of Fig. 29 (Sheet 3);

Fig. 31 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view on substantially the line 3|-3I of Fig. 2 (Sheet 8) Fig. 32 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view on substantially the line 32-32 of Fig. 2 (Sheet 8);

Fig. 33 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 31 in details disclosed,'but with the trip shoe engaged by a transverse bar and the actuate valve in open position (Sheet 8) Fig. 34 is an enlarged plan view of the pivotally y supported mount forV the trip shoe of Fig. 33

view on substantially the stepped line 2?.-22 of Fig. 4'(Sheet 4);

Fig. 23 is aperspective view'of a guide post (Sheet 4) Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a supportin menriberV (Sheet 4) Y Fig. 25 is a plan view of a bottom plate forming part of the roller feed constructions (Sheet 2) Fig. 26 is a vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view on substantially the line 26--26 of Fig. 4

(Sheet 8) Fig. 35 is an enlarged vertical transverse crosssectional view on substantially the line 35-35 of Fig. 2 (Sheet 9);

Fig. 36 is a perspective view of one of the partition strip deilectors (Sheet 5) Fig. 37 is a further enlarged view of an adjustable bracket member forming part of themechanism for releasing the bottommost of a stack of preformed partition strips (Sheet 9) Fig. 38 is a vertical longitudinal.cross-sectional view on substantially the line38--38 of Fig. 37 (Sheet 9) Fig. 39 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional View on substantially the Yline 39-39 of Fig. 38

(Sheet 10);

Fig. 40 is an isometric view of a supporting plate (Sheet 10) Fig. 41 is an isometric view of a spacer member (Sheet 10);

Fig. 42 is an isometric view of a blade member Vfor moving the bottommost partition strip of a Vstack of the same into releasa'ble position (Sheet Fig. 43 is an isometric view of a block member beneath which the blade member of Fig. 42 reciprocates (Sheet) Y Fig. 44 is an enlarged vertical transverse crossn sectional view onV substantially the line 44-114 of Fig. 35 (Sheet 9) Fig. 45 is front elevational View of the'base of a partition assembling machine, such as that illustrated in the above-mentioned Vail and Dauber patent, the feed end of the present automatic partition stripl feeding mechanism being shown partially in elevation and' partially in transverse cross section (Sheet 10) Fig. 46 is a fragmentary side elevational view Yof the base shown in Fig. 45, the innermost pairs of feed rollers and the vertical adjustment mech.-

anism being illustrated in side elevation (Sheet Fig. 47 is an enlarged horizontal cross-sectional view on substantially the line 41-4l ofY Fig. 45 (Sheet 10);

Fig. 48 is an enlarged vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view on substantially the line constructed in accordance with the 'concepts of the present invention. Broadly, the feeding mechanism 52 includes a frame 54 (Figs. l-3), a hopper 56 (Figs. 1-3, 29, and 39), 'a partition strip release mechanism 58 (Figs. 29, and SL42), partition Astrip edgewise :disposing construction Bil (Figs. 3, 29 and 39), partition strip guide construction 62 (Figs. l, 2, 4 and 22), partition strip conveyor construction 64 which includes a platform 66 and supporting construction (Figs. 1, 2, 6 vand 28), a constant speed partition strip feed construction 68 (Figs. 4 and 15), a step by step partition strip feed construction 10 (Figs. 4, 13, 16 and 1'7), a drive mechanism 12 for the conveyer and constant feed constructions (mes. 1, 2, and 7-10), and interrelated and interconnecting elements and members.

More specifically considering the present yautomatic feeding mechanism 52, the frame 54 includes four selectively spaced tubular posts 15 each of which is mounted in a pedestal 16 clamped to the posts by bolts extending through flanges 11 of va collar extension 18 (Figs. 1-3). Bolts 15 extend through an lannular flange for anchoring each pedestal 16 to a suitable base 80. At the top of each post 15 is a three-way split clamp 82, each being secured to its respective post 15 by the usual nut and bolt assemblies extending through the vertical spaced anges.

Each clamp 2 supports an en-d of a transverse horizontal tubular frame member 84 and an end of a longitudinal horizontal tubular frame member 85. In similar manner, three-way split clamps 8S secured. to each post 15 intermediate the ends thereof support intermediately disposed transverse horizontal tubular frame members 81 and longitudinal horizontal tubular frame members B8. A three-way `split clamp 99 is secured to each frame member 85 intermediate the ends thereof and supports a vertical tubular frame member 91| intermediate the ends thereof, and a transverse horizontal tubular frame member 95 which is intermediate the frame members 84 and in the same horizontal plane therewith. At

the upper end of each frame member 94 is a twoway split clamp 96, the two clamps 96 supporting a transverse horizontal tubular frame member 91. Near the lower end of each vertical frame member S4 is a two-way clamp 98 which is secured to the adjacent frame member 38. It is manifest that the frame 54 is sturdy.

The hopper 55 comprises a plurality ofr spaced vertical longitudinal wall members |00, each of which includes a split clamp lill extending from the lower corner of the rear edge and split clamps |02 extending from the upper and lower corners of the front edge (Figs. 1-3, 29 (and 39). Each wall member I includes a flange |04 secured to and extending 'at right angles from the front edge to provide front walls for open compartments |95 between the wall members IDO (Figs. 3 and 35). As illustrated, one wall member |95 does not include a flange |04, since it is obviously unnecessary. The wall members are adjustable along the several supporting frame members and are spaced apart to accommodate partition strips of predetermined widths or heights. Each wall member |08, with the exception of the right-hand one, has a deflector plate Il secured along the lower portion by suitable screws 08 (Figs. 3 and 39). Each plate |91 has a bevelled upper edge |09 for directing the individual partition strips of a stack Within the compartment |05 into the space between 6 the plate |01 and the opposed face of 'the opposite wall member |00.

Particularly .considering the partition strip release mechanism 58 (Figs. 29, and 37-42), front and rear bearing 'blocks |||l and respectively, are secured by suitable screws ||2 to the bottom edge of each Wall member IG!) (Figs. 29 and 38). Each pair of bearing blocks ||0 and SII rotatably supports a shaft H3 which is retained against axial movement by collars ||4 secured to the shaft ||3 by suitable setscrews disposed against the outer face of each bearing block |||l and I.

Adjacent each bearing block ||D and III, and interiorly disposed relative thereto, is a composite housing H5 adjustably secured to the bottom edge of the respective wall member |60 by suitable screws I3 (Figs. 29, and 33 through 43). Each composite housing i It holds a blade ||1 and includes a block member (Fig. e3) having a square centrally disposed opening 12| which is disposed against the bottom edges of the wall member |00 and the plate I El, one side of the block member l2@ being flush with the vertical surface of the member |51 (Fig. 39). Below the block member I2@ is a supporting plate |23 (Fig. li0) which is of greater width than the block |29 and which includes a central opening |24 and opposed bevelled edges |25. The supporting plate |23 is spaced from the block member |25 by spacer members |28 (Fig. Lil). Manifestly, holes are provided in the block member |22, the supporting plate |23, and the spacer members |23 for reception of the screws I8. The blade inember H1 (Fig. 42) includes a central opening ISS and is disposed between the block member |29 and the supporting plate |23 for limited movement (Figs. 38 and 39), being restricted against forward and rear movement by the spacer members |28. For moving the blade member ||1 transversely of the wall member |95, there is provided an actuating member |32 secured to the shaft llt by a suitable pin |33. rihe actuating member |32 includes a finger |34 which extends through the openings |24, |39 and lill of the supporting plate |23, the blade member |11, and the block member |2, respectively. lit is clear from Fig. 39 that the blade member ||1 may be reciprocated by the actuating member |32 between the limits of the transverse dimension of the opening 4I2! of the block member |22, since the finger |34 will be stopped by opposed walls of the opening 2|.

It is also clear from Fig. 39 that the opposed pairs of supporting plates |23 support stacks of partition strips ||5 disposed within each compartment |55. It is to be understood that the thickness of the spacers |28 must be sufficient to permit a partition strip H5 to be moved beneath the inner edge of the block member |22 into the position illustrated in Fig. 39.

On the forward end of each M3 is a rocker arm |38 secured against movement `by a suitable pin |35, or the like (Figs. 37 and 39).

, A horizontal post |50 is secured to the free end of each rocker arm |38 by a nut MI engaging a threaded reduced end thereof. A reciprocably mounted shaft |43 is supported adjacent the rocker arms |38 by split bearing brackets les `and |45 secured to the frame member 95 (Fig. The left end of the shaft M3 extends through an arm of a split bearing bracket secured to the frame member Q5 (Figs. 35 and 44) and has a post |48 mounted radially near the end thereof which extends into a slot |49 formed in the free end of a plate member Vsuitable set-screws, or the like.

|50 secured by suitable screws or the like, to the bracket ist. A compression spring |52 surrounds the shaft to the right of the arm of the bracket and engages the bracket 45 at one end and an adjustable collar |53 at the other end, the collar E52 being secured to the shaft by a suitable setscrew, or the like. The spring Yi552 biases the shaft |43 to theV left as the mechanism 52 is viewed from the rear (Fig. 3).

The shaft ltsupports a plurality of Lhshaped brackets des (Figs. 3? and 38), each of which ineiudes a split sleeve portion |59 engaging the shaft |53 being secured thereto by suitable nut and bolt assemblies |52. Each'bracket |58 also includes aligned spaced internally threaded sleeves 52, each of which receives a threaded bolt a lock nut its being employed to secure the bolt |53 in its selected position. A space is defined by the opposed faces of the sleeves i which receives the free end of the post |42 and into which extend ends of the bolts As is clear from Fig. 3'?, the ends of the bolts 653 are brought into substantial engagement with the post it, and, hence, therethrough reciprocation of the shaft les will rock the rocker arms |38.

At its right end, the shaft ifi-3 is in abutment with a plunger |52 which extends from an air cylinder |53 of conventional construction supported by a split bracket il@ secured to the frame member (Figs. 32 and 35). An air supply line i?! leads into the air cylinder iti? from the exhaust side cf a simple standard reciprocatair valve ils secured by suitable screws, or the like, to a plate lis secured to the lower end of a depending plate 'i which is formed in tegral with the lower of clamp S55 (Figs. 3 and 3i). Y An air supply line leads into the intake side of the valve V53 from a source ofV air supply such as a compressor or the like (not shown). A plunger Vis is secured to the air piston of the air valve |23 and extends downwardly from a secondary casing ill. A suitable spring, or the like (notrshown), located Awithin the casing ill biases the plunger lle and the associated air cyiinder into. the position of Fig..32.

AV short shaft is disposed beneath the plunger llt, being welded or otherwise secured to spaced straps iti which are, inturn, secured by suitable screws, or the like, to a bar 82 having end trunnions which engage openings in the upper ends Yof spaced vertically disposed twisted strap posts its secured by suitable bolts .i S5 to a slate forming part of the support for the platform and more particularly described belov-.f (FigsBZ-Be). A'depending shoe il'i is se cured to the shaft ist through sleeves |28 and The shoe i3? is adjustable along the shaft it@ to determine its point of engagement by the conveyor construction (described in detail below) for pivotal movement of the shaf. 22 to move the plunger il@ upwardly to open the air valve l'l'3 to supn ply air to the air valve its. An angular hanger strap bracket its secured to the plate VM by suitable screws, or the like, limits the downward pivotal movementrof the shaft |82, the free end 552i extending horizontally beneath the shaft its, as is clear from Figs. 32 and 33,

Beneath 'the hopper 55 is disposed the partition strip edgewise disposing construction 50 which comprises pairs of opposed longitudinally extending plates and |96 (Figs. 2, 3, 6, and 29). Each plate |95 includes a vertical portion |91 and a horizontal portion |98 secured by suitable screws |99, or the like, to the bottom of the bearing blocks 0 and depending fromY three wall members |00 counting from the left, viewing the mechanism 52 from the rear (Fig. 29). Each plate |96 includes a vertical portion 200, an angular portion 20|, and a horizontal portion 202 also secured by the screws |99 to the bottom of the bearing blocks ||0 and depending from the three right-hand wall members |00. The relan tionship of the plates |95 and |95 to the compartments |05, and hence to partition strips ||5 disposed therein is clearly shown in Figs. 3, 6 and 39. Considering Fig. 39, it is to be noted that a released partition strip I5 will strike the horizontal portion 202 of the plate |96 along its right longitudinal edge, whereupon the left side will fall by gravity, as indicated by the broken arrow A, which will result in the partition strip ||5 assuming an edgewise position between the `plate portion |91 and the plate portion 200.

Beneath and forwardly of the partition strip edgewise disposing construction 50 is the partition strip conveyer construction 64 (Figs. 1 through 3, 5, 6, 28 and 29). Supporting the conveyer construction 64 are spaced longitudinally disposed channel-shaped side plates 20c. As is clear from Figs. 6 and 28, theside plates 205 rest on the frame memers 81 and are secured thereto by suitable U-bolt assemblies 20'! which partially encircle the frame members 81 and extend through suitable openings in the lower flange of the side plates 206, The side plates 205 are further reinforced by transversely disposed channel bars 20e which are preferably welded to the underside of the lower frange of each side plate 205 (Fig. 28). A rear end Vplate 2|0 is welded or otherwise secured to the rear ends of the side plates 256 to protect an operator from the conveyor mechanism 54.

A forwardly disposedtransverse shaft 2|2 is rotatably supported by bearings 2|3 mounted on the side plates 20e near the forward ends and preferably exteriorly thereof (Fig. 5). transverse shaft 2 I5 is supported in bearings r2 I? which are adjustably mounted on the side plates 202 eXteriorly near the Yrear ends thereof. The shaft 2|@ extends through a slot 2|5 in each side plate 205 to permit movement bodily longitudinally of the side plates 205. Suitable screws 2|9 of any well known type are mounted in brackets 220 secured to the side plates 2% and are in engagement with the adjustable bearing brackets 2H for adjustment thereof. A sprocket 222 is mounted on the shaft 2|2 adjacent each bearing 2|3, being secured to the shaft 2 l2 by a setscrew, or the like, and an aligned sprocket 223l is secured to the shaft 2 I5 adjacent each bearing 2 I'i, being secured to the shaft 2 t by a setscrew, or the like. A continuous chain 225 is disposed about each pair of aligned sprockets 222 and 223. Trans versely disposed rods 225 are secured at their ends to the chains 225 through suitable bracketsY 22? connected thereto and welded tov selected links (Figs. 5, (i, and 28). The rods 225 are at right angles to theY side plates 205 and to the chains 225 and are spaced a predetermined distance apart in order to successively pick up and push groups of partitionstrips ||5 dropped from the hopper 56. f

The upper disposed portions of the chains 225Y move across the above-mentioned Vplatform 65 which is disposed on the upper flanges of the side A second Y assumo plates 206 and extends between the sprockets 222 and 223 (Figs. 6 and 28). The platform 63 has side flanges 228 which serve as retaining guides for the chains 225.

The shaft 2 |2 is preferably rotated by the motor (not shown) which powers the assembly machine with which the present feeding mechanism 52 is associated. A rotated shaft segment 233 is connected at one end to the shaft 2|2 by a conventional universal coupling 23| and at the other end by a conventional universal coupling 232 to a stub shaft Within a bearing 233 (Figs. 1, 2, and 10). The drive mechanism 12 for transmitting the power from the main motor to the stub shaft in the bearing 233 and thence to the conveyor construction 64 is particularly described below.

Immediately forwardly of the conveyer construction 64 is the constant speed partition strip feed construction 68 and the step by step partition strip feed construction 10 which are mounted upon a composite frame 248 lwhich comprises a U-shaped structural member 24| of angular cross section and extension members 242 of angular cross section secured to the U-shaped member 24| by a suitable bolt 243, or the like (Figs. 1, 2, 4, 13, 15, and 16). Each member 24| and 242 includes spaced aligned openings 244.

The constant speed partition strip feed construction 68 is mounted adjustably on the extension members 242 (Figs. 1, 2, 4, and cally, a housing 245 of U-transverse cross section is mounted on the extensions 242, and includes a bottom wall 246 and side Walls 241, each of the latter of which includes an upper horizontal flange 248. The bottom Wall 243 extends outwardly beyond the side walls 241, the extensions being engaged by clamps 249 connected to the extensions 242 by suitable bolts 250r extending through selected apertures 244 (Figs. 4 and 15). The housing 245 is of the same cross section as the housing shown in Fig. 14 which is indicated by a like reference numeral. End plates and 252 are secured by suitable bolts 253 to the ends of the housing 245. segmental top plates 254 and 255 are secured by suitable bolts 255 to the flanges 248 of the housing 245. A driven shaft 251 is rotatably mounted in bearings 258 mounted in the end plate 25| and an intermediate plate 259 formed integral with or secured to the housing bottom wall 246 by welding, or the like. The driven shaft 251 is connected to a rotated shaft segment 269 by a conventional universal coupling 29|, the shaft segment 250 being connected to a stub shaft disposed within an extended bearing 263 by a conventional universal coupling 264 (Figs. l and 9).

Three identical feed roller units 21|) are mounted in the housing 245, the details of a single unit being illustrated in Figs. 18 through 21. Each feed unit 219 includes a housing 21| which preferably is a casting of the configuration clearly shown in Figs. 18 through 2l and includes a base portion 212, opposed mounting flanges 213 extending from the top edges of the base portion 212, and a vertical extension 211. The base portion 212 is formed with side walls 214 and a bottoni web 215, the side walls 214 defining a charnber 213. Aligned apertures are formed in the web 215 and the vertical extension 211 which rotatably receive a shaft 2128. A bevelled gear 219 is secured to the lowermost end of the shaft 218 by a suitable setscrew, or the like, adjacent the bottom face of the web 215. A feed roller 280 is secured to the upper end of the shaft 218 by a suitable pin 28|, or the like. The roller 280 in- Speciiicludes a knurled feed portion 282 which contacts a partition strip |5 in feeding engagement. The roller 280 abuts the upper end of the vertical extension 211. A pinion 284 is secured to the shaft 218 by a pin 285, or the like, interiorly of the chamber 219. A sleeve 281 extends into the chamber 218 and includes an integral base portion 28B which is pivotally mounted on a pin 289 supported by the Walls 214 of the base portion 212. The base portion 238 has an opening 299 (Fig. 14) in which is disposed a pinion 29| secured to the lower end of a shaft 293 by a suitable pin 292 and in mesh with thel pinion 284. The shaft 293 is rotatably mounted in the sleeve 281 and has a feed roller 295 secured to its upper end by a suitable pin 296, or the like. The feed roller 295 ineludes a knurled portion 291 which is in opposed relation to the knurled portion 282 of the feed roller 23).` A tension spring 298 of coil type resiliently biases the sleeve 281 and its associated feed roller 295 towards the extension 211 and the feed roller 280, the spring 298 being anchored to sides of the extension 211 at its ends by suitable screws 300. As is manifest from Figs. 14 and 15, the flanges 213 are disposed on the iianges 248 of the housing 245 and are anchored in place by suitable bolts 30|. Each bevelled gear 219 is in engagement with a bevelled gear 303 secured to the shaft 251 by a suitable pin 304, or the like. It is manifest that rotation of the shaft 251, which is preferably effected from the main motor which drives the assembly machine with which the present feed mechanism 52 is associated, will. simultaneously continuously drive all six feed rollers of the feed construction 64.

The drive mechanism 12 through which the conveyer construction G4 and the constant speed partition strip feed construction 68 are actuated is best shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 7 ,through i0. An angle member 3|0 having a web 3|| and upper and lower flanges 3|2 and 3|3, respectively, is mounted on spaced posts 3|5 and 3|6 by suitable bolts 3|1, each post 3|5 and 3|6 being mounted in pedestals 320 identical with the above described pedestals 16. Like the pedestals 15, the pedestals 32|) are anchored to the foundation 80. A bearing 322 is secured to the web 3|| near the front or left end (Figs. 2 and 7) by suitable screws 323 and rotatably receives a stub shaft 324 which is connected at its outer end to a conventional uni versal coupling 325, the other end of said coupling 325y being connected to a shaft 326 which is suitably connected to the motor (not shown) which drives the assembly machine with which the present feed mechanism 52 is associated. A pinion 32S is connected to the stub shaft 324 in adjacent relationship to the inner side of the web 3|| by a suitable setscrew, or a pin. The pinion 328 is in mesh with a gear 330` secured to a stub shaft 33| by a suitableV setscrew, or the like, the stub shaft 33| having bearing support in a sleeve 332 formed in the web 3|| and being maintained in position by a nut 333 threaded onto a reduced threaded extension 334 of the stub shaft 33| (Fig. 8). A bevelled gear 333 is secured to or is formed integral with the gear 330 for rotation therewith which is in meshing engagement with a bevelled gear 331 (Fig. l). secured to a shaft 3318 by a setscrew, or the like. The shaft 338 is rotatably mounted in spaced bearings 339, four being shown, which may be any type of simple bearing welded or otherwise` secured to the interior face of the web 3| and are shown as apertured block members. Manifestly, the shaft 338 is driven from the just described gear train'.

Towards the rear end of the shaft 338, a bevelled gear 346 is secured by a setscrew, or the like, which is in mesh with a pinion 34| secured by a pin 342, or the like, to a stub shaft 343 rotatably mounted in the bearing 263 (Fig. 9). The bearing 263 is secured to the web 3|| by suitable screws 344.

A bevelled gear 341 is secured to the shaft 338 by a setscrew, or the like, adjacent the rear bearing 333 (Fig. l). In mesh with the bevelled gear 341 is a bevelled gear 346, which is formed integral with, or secured to for rotation with, a pinion 356 secured by a setscrew, or the like, to a stub shaft mounted in a bearing sleeve 352 formed in the web 3|| (Fig. 10). The stub shaft 35| is secured against removal by a nut 353 threaded onto a reduced threaded extension 354 of the stub shaft 35|. In mesh with the pinion 356 is a pinion 356 secured by a setscrew, or the like, to the end of a stub shaft 351 connected to the universal coupling 232 and rotatably mounted in the bearing 233 secured to the web 3| by suitable screws 358. Y

The step by step partition feed construction 16 is best illustrated in Figs. 2, 4, 13, 16, 17, 26 and 27. The feed construction 16 includes a rear group 365 and a front group 366 of feed units 216 and drive mechanism 361 for actuating the same in step by step relation. As is manifest from a comparison of Figs. 13 and 16 with Fig. 15, the feed units of the two groups 365 and 366 are identical with the feed units 216 above described and, hence, no further description is necessary, and the same reference numerals are applied as are above used in conjunction with the previously described feed units 210. Furthermore, each group 365 and 366 of feed units 216 is mounted in a housing 245 identical with the housing 245 above described, and, hence, the same reference numerals are repeated, with the exception that the housing 245 incorporating the group 366 of feed units 216 includes a second intermediate Wall 316 similar to the intermediate wall 253 (Fig. 16). The longitudinally extending portions of the U-shaped structural member 24| adjustably support the housings 245 of the feed construction 16 in the same manner as the housing 245 of the feed construction 68 is supported (above described). Both the feed groups 365 and 366 and the constant feed construction 66 are adjustable along the member 24| and the extensions 242 to accommodate partition strips of different lengths.

A driven shaft 31| is journaled in bearings 312 supported by the end plate 25| and the intermediate plate 259. Bevelled gears 313 are secured by suitable setscrews 314 to the shaft 31| in meshing relation with the bevelled gears 219 of the feed units 216. A bevelled gear 315 is secured on the inner end of the shaft 31| by a pin 316, or the like, the teeth of the bevelled gear 315 being disposed between the intermediate plate 253 and the end plate 252, and being in meshing engagement with a bevelled gear 311 (Figs. 131 and 17) secured to a stub shaft 318 extending through the side Wall 241 of the rearward housing 245. The stub shaft 318 is secured by a coupling 313 to an enlarged hollow shaft segment 380 which telescopically receives one end of a shaft segment 38|. A pin 385 is anchored in the shaft segment 38| and extends through diametrical slots 386 in the shaft segment 386 to permit adjustment. The shaft segment 38| is secured by a coupling 382 to a stub shaft 383 on the other end of which is secured a bevelled gear 384 which has bearing support in the wall 241 of the forward housing 245 supporting the Asupported in bearings 388 mounted in the intermediate plates 316 and 259. Bevelled gears 363 are secured to the shaft 381 by suitable setscrews 336 in meshing engagement with the bevelled gears 213 of the feed units 216. On one end of the shaft 381 is secured a bevelled gear 332 by a suitable setscrew, or the like, which is in meshing engagement with the above-mentioned bevelled gear 384. It is manifest from the foregoing that the feed units 216 of the group 366 are driven at the same speed of and simultaneously with the feed units 216 of the group 365, since the bevelled gears in the gear train are all of the same size.

Referring to Figs. 2, 4, 13, 26, and 27, the drive Vmechanism. 361 for the feed construction 16, in

addition to the gear train just described, includes a one-way clutch mechanism 335, preferably of the simple ball or roller overrunning type, the reciprocating element of which is secured to a stub shaft 336 and the one-way driven member cf which is secured to a stub shaft 331. The stub shaft 331 has bearing support in an intermediate wall 368 of a frame 333 which also includes end walls 466 and 46| and side Walls 402. The end Wall 46| is secured by suitable screws 663 to the U-shaped structural member 24| (Figs. fi and 13). The stub shaft 391 is connected through two conventional universal connections 665 and 466 and an intermediate shaft segment 461 to the driven shaft 31|. The stub shaft 366 is rotatably mounted in a bearing 463 supported in the end wall 466.

On the outer end of the stub shaft 336 is a brake 4|! (Figs. Ll, 13, and 27) which includes a disc member 4|2 secured tothe stub shaft 336 by a key 413. Clampingly engaging the disc member 412 are opposed brake shoes 4|5 which are pivotally mounted on a pin 4|6 supported by and extending from the end wall 466. One shoe 4|5 has spaced ears 4|1 and the other shoe 4|5 a tongue 4|8, extending between the ears 4l1, pivotally received by the pin 4|6. Disc plates 426 of larger diameter than 'the disc member 4|2 are secured thereto by suitable bolts 42| which provide spaced annular guide flanges maintaining the brake shoes M5 against lateral movement. A U-shaped lever 425 is pivotally connected by rivet 426 to the upper end of one shoe 4|5 and straddles the upper portion thereof as is clear from Figs. 4 and 27. The lever 425 also straddles the upper portion of the other shoe 4|5 which is cut away to provide a shoulder 421. An adjusting screw 426 having a suitable operating handle 423 threadedly engages the bight of the U- shaped lever 425 and abuts the shoulder 421. A securing nut 436 maintains the screw 428 in selected position. It is clear that clockwise movement of the screw 423 will bring the shoes 4|5 together about the pivot pin 4|6 to tighten the braking engagement with the disc member 4|2, and that ccunterclockwise movement thereof will loosen the braking relationship.

A driven pinion 635 is secured to the stub shaft 336 by a key 436 between the end wail 466 and the clutch mechanism 335 (Figs. fl, 13 and 26). A gear sector 431 is in engagement with the pinion 435 and is pivotally mounted on a fixed short shaft 438 which threadedly engages an aperture in the intermediate wall 398 at one end and has support in the end wall 466 at the other end.

13 A suitable bushing 439 is press-fitted or other wise secured intericrly of the hub of the gear sector 431. A suitable collar 449 maintains the gear sector in position to continue engagement with the p-inion 435, being secured to the shaft 438 by a suitable setscrew 44|. The gear sector has an integral arm 443 which extends downwardly from the hub thereof and which is pivotally connected at 444 to the bifurcated head of a connector member 445. The other end of the member 445 threadedly receives a rod 446 which is maintained in selected secured position by a suitable nut 441. The rod 446 is secured at its other end to an eccentric mounted on the partition assembly machine with which the present feeding mechanism 52 is associated, such eccentric being actuated by the motor of the partition assembly machine. Neither the eccentric nor motor are shown, but both are of conventional construction and are shown in the above-mentioned Vail and Dauber patent. It is manifest that reciprocal movement of the rod 446 will effect rocking movement of the gear sector 431, which movement will be transferred to the pinion 435 to rock the stub shaft 396. The one-way clutch 395 is effective to transmit only step by step movement in one direction to the shaft 31|.

The partition strip guide construction 62 is best illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 4, l1, 12, 14, 22 through 24, and 29. Extending forwardly from each vertical portion |91 and 299 of each plate |95 and |96, respectively, and spaced a short distance above the platform 66, is a narrow, long metal plate 459, each of which is secured to its respective plate portion by a rivet 45 I, or the like, which extends through an opening in the vertical plate portion and a suitable elongated slot 452 in the plate 459 (Fig. 29). As is clear from Figs. l and 2, the strip plates 456 are disposed in pairs and extend forwardly to and beyond the front edge of the conveyer construction 64. Each pair of plates 450 thus provides a partition strip passage 453. At its forward end, each strip plate 459 is suspended from a transversely disposed rod 455 by means of a hanger strap 456 (Figs. 1, 2, 11 and l2). A suitable nut, bolt and washer assembh7 451 is received by an aperture in the plate 459 and a slot 458 in the strap 456. The head of the bolt of the assembly 451 is countersunk in the plate 459 in order to insure a smooth surface for uninterrupted passage of partition strips.` Each hanger strap 456 is secured in selected position on the rod 455 by a setscrew 459. Hence, the vertical and lateral positions of the front ends ofthe plates 459 are adjustable. The slot 452 at the rear end of the plates 456 provides longitudinal adjustment. The rod 455 is supported at each end on a post 469, which is secured by suitable bolts 46| to the side plates 296 which support the conveyer construction 64. It is clear from Fig. 4 that each channel 453 defined by the strip plates 459 terminates forwardly adjacent a pair of feed rollers 295 of the constant speed partition strip feed construction 66.

The guide construction 62 includes duplicate pairs of plate segments 465 and 466 disposed forwardly of the feed rollers 295 of the constant speed feed construction 68, each pair defining a channel 461 which forms a continuation of a channel 453 (Figs. 4, 14, 22, and 24). As is clear from Fig. 4, each plate segment 465 is bowed slightly between its ends. Each plate segment 466 includes a double bend, as shown, which disposes the shorter forward portions of the three plate segments 466 substantially parallel with the longitudinally extending elements of the feeding' mechanism 52, and the longer rearward portions at an angle to the shorter forward portions. This conguration and arrangement of the plate segments 465 and 466 provides a construction which permits each succeeding partition strip I I5 to overlap its preceding partition strip in feeding movement towards the partition assembly machine with which the present feedingmechanism 52 is employed. E'ach of the plate segments 465 and 466 is supported at its rear end by a post 410 threadedly engaging a flange 41| formed integral with the housing 21| of one of the feed units 216 of the constant speed feed construction 68, each housing 21| supporting a pair of posts 419 (Figs. 4 and 14). A supporting memberv 413 formed with an integral collar 414 at one end (Fig. 24) is secured to the rear end of each plate segment 465 and 466 by a U-shaped bracket 415 which is anchored to the respective plate segments 465 and 466 by suitable screws 416 (Figs. 14 and 22). The supporting members 413 are free to move longitudinally of the plate segments 465 or 466, but each has a close t vertically with its bracket 415 to substantially eliminate vertical movement therebetween. The collar portion 414 of each member 413 slides over a post 419 and abuts a shoulder 416 thereof, each post 416 being of greater diameter below the shoulder 419i. Each plate segment 465 and 466 is iiared outwardly at the rear and conforms to the respective collar 414 to facilitate feeding of partition strips ||5 therebetween. Each plate segment 465 and 466 is supported at its forward end on the rear feed units 219 of the feed construction 19 in the same manner as just described for the rear ends, the several elements of the supporting construction bearing the same reference numerals and requiring no further detailed explanation. Beneath each pair of plate segments 465 and 466 is a horizontally disposed plate 486 of U cross section which has bearing support on the flanges 41| of the housings 21| and is maintained in position by the posts 419 extending through suitable holes therein, as is clear from Fig. 14.

Forwardly of the plate segments 465 and 466 are pairs of plate segments 465 which denne partition channels 486. Each pair of plate segments 485 is disposed between longitudinally spaced pairs of rollers 295 of feed units 219 of groups 365 and 366 of the step by step feed construction 19. Each plate segment 485 is curved outwardly at the rear end to facilitate entry of a partition strip. Each plate segment 425 is mounted at front and rear ends by supporting members 413 and other elements identical with the previously described elements supporting the rear ends of plate segments 465 and 466, these several elements bearing the same reference numerals and requiring no further explanation. A plate 481 of U cross section similar to the plates 489, butmuch shorter, is disposed beneath each pair of plate segments 465 and is supported in the same manner as the plates 499.

Forwardly of the front group 366 of feed units 219 is a transversely disposed plate 49|)` which is secured to the forward flanges of the housings 21| of the feed units 210 of the front group 366 by suitable screws 49| (Figs. 1, 4 and 46). Each screw 49| also adjustably secures in position a guide post 492 (Fig. 23), extending through a slot 493 formed in a horizontal portion 494 thereof. Each guide post 492 also includes a vertical portion 495 bevelled at 496 to facilitate passage between opposed guide posts of partition strips.

Manifestly, the plane of the plate 490 is in the same plane with that of plates 480 and 401.

In Figs. through 48 is shown a preferred vertically adjustable supporting construction for the front end of the partition feeding mechanism 52 which is mounted on the rear of the partition assembly machine with which the present mechanism 52 is associated. A partition assembly machine 500 includes side plates and 502, an end plate 503, a base member 504, and rear supporting members 505. A shaft 508 has bearing support in spaced brackets 509 secured to the end plate 503 Vby suitable bolts 5|0. A bevelled gear 5|! is secured to one end of the shaft 508 by a suitable setscrew or pin, and a bevelled gear 5 |2 is secured near the other end by a suitable setscrew or pin.` Secured on the end of the shaft 508, remote from the bevelled gear 5H, is an operating hand wheel 5|3. Each bracket 509 includes an integral collar 5|5 through which extends a vertically disposed threaded shaft SI5. The shafts 5|5 rotate freely in the collars 5i5, each having secured to its lower end a bevelled gear 5H by a suitable setscrew or pin which are in engagement with the bevelled gears 5|| and 5|2. Each shaft 5|@ threadedly receives a rider nut 5|8 which is welded at 5|9 to a vertically and transversely disposed plate 520. As is clear from Figs. 45 and 47, the plate 520 overlaps therear edges of the side plates 50| and 502, each of which has a cutaway 522 receiving the plate 520. A strip 523 is secured to the rear edge of each side plate 50| and 502 by suitable screws 524 in overlapping position in respect to the cutaway 522 to maintain the plate 520 in position. Welded to each side of the plate 525 at 525 is an angle strap 52, to the horizontal portions of which is welded at 523 a platform 529 which is of the same elevation as the plate 430 and which is adapted to receive partition strips in edgewise position. The plate 520 is cut away in the upper edge to receive the free ends of the structural member 24 which are welded at 530, or otherwise secured to the plate 520 against accidental removal. Manifestly, rotation of the operating wheel 5|3 effects up or down movement of the plate 520 and its associated elements, dependent, of course, upon the direction of rotation of the wheel 5|3. This adjustment permits the disposition of the platform 529 at the desired level for the particular depth of partition strip being assembled.

Operation The operation of the present automatic partition strip feeding mechanism 52 is quite simple, and when attached to a partition assembly machine such as that shown in the above-mentioned Vail and Dauber patent, requires only a single attendant to maintain it under full operation. An attendant need but start the partition assembly machine, and, therethrough the present mechanism 52, and then keep the instant mechanism 52 supplied with partition strips ||5, which may be of the simple form shown in Fig. 49, or of any interlocking type. Manifestly, the present feeding mechanism 52 may be fed automatically as well as by hand.

The compartments |05 of the hopper 56 are supplied with partition strips IIS. The stacks should be maintained at substantial levels in order to insure continuous feeding operation, although the height of the stacks is not of importance. Three compartments |05 are shown, although additional compartments may be employed if desired. In fact, in a further development'of the present machine, five compartments are used which manifestly materially increases the output of the combined partition assembly machine and feeder mechanism 52.

Assuming that the compartments |05 are supplied with partition strips H5, and that an air supply is available for operation of the shaft |03, it is but necessary to start the motor of the partition assembly machine with which the mechanism 52 is associated to begin the feeding operation, it being clear from the above-detailed description that the conveyor construction 64, the constant speed partition feed strip construction 63, and the step by step partition feed construction 'I0 are driven by the motor of the partition assembly machine.

Upon actuation of the conveyer construction 54, its transversely disposed rods 225 are moved by the continuous chains 225 in the path clearly indicated in Fig. 28. As a rod 220 passes beneath the shoe IB?, the plunger il@ of the air Valve |13 is moved upwardly to permit air under pressure from the supply line H5 to pass into the valve |13 and thence by the supply line ill into the air cylinder |59 (Figs. 32 and 33). The air admitted into the valve E55 eiects movement of the plunger |53 to the left (Fig. 35), which moves the shaft 53 to the left against the action of the return spring |52. As is clear from Figs. 3'! and 38, movement of the shaft |43 to the left effects pivotal movement of each of the rocker arms |35 to the left as viewed in Figs. 35 and 37. Each shaft H3 is therethrough rocked to eiect similar rocking movement of its supported actuating members {32 (Figs. 38 and 39). Viewing Fig. 39, it is manifest that rocking movement of the actuating members |32 to the left effects movement to the left of the blades i i1, the right hand of each of which, when considering a single compartment |05, moves the bottommost partition strip |55 to the left into the space formerly occupied by the left hand blade i It is under` stood, of course, that each stack of partition strips H5 rests upon the respective supporting plates |25. It is to be noted that each laterally moved partition strip ||5 drops down at its free edge into about the position shown in Fig. 39 in full lines.

The particular rod 225 passes beyond the shoe whereupon it drops back Ito the position of Fig. 32, releasing the plunger |75 and closing the air valve |13. rfhereupon, the air valve |3 and the cylinder |05 exhaust, which permits the spring |52 to return the shaft |43 to its initial position of rest. This movement rocks the rocker arms |38 to .the right when viewed in Figs. 35 and 37, which, in turn, rocks the shaft ||3 and the supported actuating members |32. Again viewing Fig. 39, it is clear that rocking movement of the actuating members |32 to the right will discharge the bottommost partition strip H5 of each compartment |65 onto the partition strip edgewise disposing construction 55. The right longitudinal edge of each partition strip ||5 strikes the horizontal portion 202 of ythe plate therebeneath, whereupon the other longitudinal edge will descend iirst into the space between the plates |95 and E96 to dispose the partition strip I I5 in edgewise position.

The conveyor construction 64 is so timed that a rod 220 immediately contacts the rear edges of the partition strips H5 of a dropped group and moves the strips forwardly into the channels 453. The three partition strips ||5 are moved forwardly as a group until the forward acsa'rvo edges are moved into engagement with the constantly rotating feed rollers 295 oi. the constant speed partition strip feed construction 68. These feed rollers 295 are moved at a rate of speed which will impart an accelerated movement to the partition strips l I and will move them forwardly into the channels 46T until they are fed intovengagement with the feed rollers 295 of the feed units Zia of the rear group 365 of the stepby step feed construction it). The distance between the two groups of feed rollers 295 is less than the length of a partition strip so that the partition strips I l5 are always in positive engagement by one or the other or both groups of feed rollers 295,. The last-mentioned feed rollers 295 move the partition strips H5 forwardly in a step by step manner into engagement with the feed rollers 295 of the front group 366 of feed units 210 which feed the partition strips H5 through the guide posts 492 and onto .the platform 529 and into and through the assembly zone where transverse partitions are disposed across them by such` mechanism as that shown in the Vail and lgauber assembly machine of the above-mentioned patent.

Il; is to be observed that, as the partition strips U5 pass the bend in the plate segments 465, the rear end of each is moved into position substantially against the forward portion of the plate segment Mie so that the forward porti-on of a succeeding partition strip H5 may pass the rear end thereof in overlapping relation therewith. The relative movement of the several feed rollers 295 of the step by step feed construction 'I0 and the constant speed feed construction 68 is such that the yoverlapping will amount to exactly an amount to insure the feeding into the assembly Zone of constantly spaced aligned notches which manifestly increases the output over end to end feeding of partition strips into the assembly zone. Overlapping per se is not novel with the applicant, but the feature is important in connection with the operation of the present machine.

The step by step partition strip feed construction 'Hl is, of course, timed to feed the partition strips l l5 into the assembly zone of the assembly machine in accordance with the feeding of the transverse strips by the assembly machine. The feeding action of the several feed wheels 295 is positive so that it is but necessary to adjust the stroke of the rod M6 when it is desired to increase or decrease the length of the feeding step, which is necessary when partition strips of different lengths are employed. The positions of the feed roll groups 355 and 366 are adjusted on the member `24I to accommodate strips of different lengths.

It is unnecessary to go into further detailed description of the operation of the several units which make up the feed constructions 68 and 10, or set out a more detailed operation of the several parts of the conveyor construction 64 and the partition strip release mechanism 58 in View of the detailed description above.

It is manifest that there has been provided a feed mechanism for partition strips which fulfills the objects and advantages sought therefor.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration and example. It is also to be understood that changes in form of the several parts, substitution of equivalent elements or steps, and rearrangement of parts or steps, which will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are contemplated as Wthin the'scope of the present invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:

1. Feeding mechanism for a partition assembling machine comprising means for holding at least one stack of preformed partition strips above an open space, means for releasing the bottorn` strip of a" stack of preformed partition strips held within said holding means to permit it to fall freely downwardly into such open space, means for deiiecting released strips into edgef wise positions as they fall freely downwardly, means for supporting the released strips in edgewise positions, means for maintaining strips in edgewise positions and for guiding the same into predetermined spaced relation, and means for advancing edgewise disposed strips towards a partition assembly zone.

2. Feeding mechanism for a partition assembling machine comprising means for holding spaced stacks of preformed partition strips means for releasing the bottom strip of stacks of preformed partition strips held within said holding means, means for deiiecting released strips into edgewise positions, means for maintaining strips in edgewise positions and for guiding the same into predetermined laterally spaced rela# tion, means for advancing edgewise disposed strips towards a partition assembly zone at a substantially constant speed, and means for afd.- vancing edgewise disposed strips into and through a partition assembly zone in a stepby step movement.

3. Feeding mechanism for a partition assernf.

bling machine comprising means for holding spaced stacks of preformed partition strips, means for releasing the bottom strips of stacks of preformed partition strips held within Vsaid holding means, means for deecting released strips into edgeWise positions, means for` maintaining strips in edgewise positions and for guiding` the same into predetermined laterally'spaced relation, means for advancing strips through an assembly zone, means for advancing strips into position for engagement by said first advancing means and guide means permitting movement of advancing strips into overlapping relation with `the immediately previously advanced strips, and means for actuating said advancing means.

4. In a feeding mechanism for a, partition as,- sembling machine, guide means for directing laterally spaced edgewise disposed preformed partition strips towards and into a partition assembly zone, means for advancing strips through an assembly zone, means for advancing strips into position for engagement by said first advancing means and guide means permitting movement of such advancing strips into overlapping relation `with the immediately previously advanced strips, and means for actuating said advancing means.

5. In a feeding mechanism for a partition assembling machine, guide means for directing laterally spaced edgewise disposed preformed partition strips towards and into a partition assembly zone, first rotatable rollers for advancing strips through an assembly zone, second rotatable rollers for advancing strips into position for engagement by said first advancing rollers and guide means permitting movement of such advancing strips into overlapping relation with the immef diately previously advanced strips, and Separate means for actuating said advancingrollers.

6, In a feeding mechanism for a partition assembling machine, means for holding spaced stacks of preformed partition strips, meansf'or releasing the bottom strips of stacks of preformed partition strips held within said holding means, means for derlecting released strips into edgewise positions, means for maintaining strips 1n edgewise positions and for guiding the same into predetermined laterally spaced relation, means for advancing edgewise disposed strips towards a partition assembly zone, including spaced. transverse members mounted for endless travel adapted to engage the rear edges of spaced edgewise disposed strips and to move the same predetermined distances, said strip releasing means including actuating construction successively engageable vby said transverse members for eilecting strip release in timed relation to the travel of said members, a second means for advancing edgewise disposed strips towards a partition assembly zone including partition strip engaging rotatable rollers and means for rotating them at constant speed, and means for advancing edgewise disposed strips through a partition assembly zone including partition engaging rotatable rollers and means for rotating them in step by step movement to feed partition strips through the partition assembly zone in a manner to receive transverse strips when substantially at a standstill.

7. In a feeding mechanism for a partition assembling machine, guide means for directing spaced preformed partition strips towards and into a partition assembly zone, first rotatable rollers for advancing strips through an assembly zone, second rotatable rollers for advancing strips into position for engagement by said rst advancing rollers and guide means permitting movement of such advancing strips into overlapping relation with the immediately previously advanced strips, separate means for adjusting said rst and second rotatable rollers longitudinally of advanced strips, and separate means for actuating said advancing rollers.

8. Feeding mechanism for a partition assembling machine comprising means for holding spaced stacks of preformed partition strips, means for releasing the bottom strips of stacks of preformed partition strips held within said holding means, means for deilecting released strips into edgewise positions, Vmeans for maintaining strips in edgewise positions and for guiding the same into predetermined laterally spaced relation, means for advancing edgevvise disposed strips towards and into a partition assembly zone, and means for adjusting said advancing means vertically in respect to the associated partition assembling machine to permit feeding preformed partition strips of different selected depths.

9. In a feeding mehanism for a partition assembling machine, guide means for directing spaced preformed partition strips towards and into a partition assembly zone, first pairs of rotatable rollers for advancing strips through an assembly sone, second pairs of rotatable rollers for advancing strips into position for engagement by said first advancing rollers and guide means permitting movement of such advancing strips into overlapping relation with the immediately previously advanced strips, the several pairs of rollers receiving edgewise preformed partition strips between them for advancing the same, and separate means for actuating said advancing rollers.

l0. In a feeding mechanism for a partition assembling machine, guide means for directing spaced preformed partition strips towards and into a partition assembly zone, rst pairs of rotatable rollers for advancing strips through an assembly zone, second pairs of rotatable rollers for advancing strips into position for engagement by said rst advancing rollers and guide means permitting movement of such advancing strips into overlapping relation with the immediately previously advanced strips, the several pairs of rollers receiving edgewise preformed partition strips between them for advancirry the same, one roller of each pair being spring biased towards the other roller to firmly engage a preformed partition strip, and separate means for actuating said advancing rollers.

ll. Feeding mechanism for a partition assembling machine comprising means for holding spaced stacks of preformed partition strips, means for releasing the bottom strip of stacks of preformed partition strips held Within said holdinOr means, means for deileeting released strips into edgewise positions, means for maintaining strips in edgewise positions and for guiding the same into predetermined laterally spaced relation, means for advancing edgewise disposed strips towards a partition assembly zone at a substantially constant speed, means for advancing edgewise disposed strips into and through a partition assembly zone in a step by step movement, and means for driving both of said advancing means and for actuating said release means from the power means oi the partition assembling machine with which said feeding mechanism is associated,

l2. h1 a feeding mechanism for a partition assembling machine, means for holding spaced stacks of preformed partition strips, means for releasing the bottom strips of stacks of preformed partition strips held within said holding means, means for delecting released strips into edgewise positions, means for maintaining strips in edgewise positions and for guiding the same into predetermined laterally spaced relation, means for advancing edgewise disposed strips towards a partition assembly zone, including spaced transverse members mounted for endless travel adapted to engage the rear edges of spaced edgewise disposed strips and to move the same predetermined distances, said strip releasing means including actuating construction successively engageable by said transverse members for effecting strip release intimed relation to the travel of said members, a second means for advancing edgewise disposed strips towards a partition assembly zone including pairs of rollers disposed to receive preformed partition strips between them, and means for advancing edgewise disposed strips through a partition assembly Zone including pairs of rollers disposed to receive preformed partition strips between them.

13. Feeding mechanism'for a partition assembling machine comprising means for holding spaced stacks of preformed partition strips, means for releasing the bottom strips of stacks of preformed partition strips held within said holding means, means for deflecting released strips into edgewise positions, means for maintaining strips in edgewise positions and for guiding the same into predetermined laterally spaced relation, means for advancing edgewise disposed strips towards and into a partition .assembly zone, means for adjusting said advancing means vertically in respect to the associated partition assembling machine to permit feeding preformed partition strips of diiferent selected depths, and means for adjusting said advancing means lon- 

